The Space Foundation Discovery Center is a resource for students, educators, our community and visitors. The admission fee supports Discovery Center operations and makes it possible for the Space Foundation to offer community and school programs that improve our knowledge of our universe and the scientific principles that govern it and of the history, future and benefits of space exploration and utilization.

Operating Hours

Our regular operating hours are posted on the Space Foundation website and, under normal circumstances, we will be open as posted. Occasionally, we may have to close for inclement weather, private functions or issues that affect access to the building. In those cases, we will post closing information on the Space Foundation website here.

On weekdays during the school year, we will generally follow the Colorado Springs School District 11 inclement weather policy; however, it is wise to check the Space Foundation website if you are concerned.

The Discovery Center is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and may close for holidays and extreme weather. For status, please call 719.576.8000.

Space Foundation Discovery Center Rules and Regulations

We appreciate your support in keeping the Space Foundation Discovery Center safe, clean, pleasant and educational and we ask that you observe the following rules and regulations, which are necessary to ensure the orderly and safe operation of the El Pomar Space Gallery, the Northrop Grumman Science Center and Space Foundation grounds. As a private institution, the Space Foundation may exercise the following at any time without notice and without liability:

Admission to administrative facilities or restricted areas is limited to Space Foundation team members and authorized persons

Access to Space Foundation property may be restricted to the public at any time without advance notice, reason, cause or explanation and is otherwise permissible only upon presentation of a valid visitor pass

Visitor passes are non-transferable and may not be reproduced

Any coupons must be presented prior to admission purchase

Refunds will not be issued after purchase is complete

Failure to obey an order to leave the Space Foundation property or to reenter Space Foundation property after being asked to leave or not reenter is prohibited and may result in involvement of local law enforcement and criminal charges being filed

Groups consisting of children aged 18 or younger must be chaperoned by at least one adult per ten children; children must be supervised at all times

Special events hosted by non-Space Foundation persons or organizations are prohibited unless express permission has been given by the Space Foundation

Dismissal from Space Foundation Property is warranted upon a Space Foundation team member's determination that a visitor has engaged in disorderly or prohibited conduct; disorderly and prohibited conduct can include, but is not limited to:

Impeding, threatening, intimidating or intentionally interfering with any person located on the Space Foundation property

Threatening, resisting, intimidating, knowingly giving false or fictitious information or intentionally interfering with a Space Foundation team member

Running or other conduct that could potentially damage exhibits or endanger or disturb visitors

Making loud noises, yelling, or using profane, threatening or inappropriate language

Sketching with art supplies, markers or pens other than a pencil and paper

Permissible handbags, backpacks and belongings are limited to 8" x 17" x 19"; any items larger than this, including walking sticks, umbrellas, skateboards, baby strollers, car seats and baby carriers, must be left in visitor vehicles or checked with the receptionist; canes, walkers, wheelchairs or other disability-assistance equipment are permissible, but visitors are advised to be careful in tight areas.

Space Foundation team members maintain sole discretion to request any item or personal belonging be returned to the visitor's vehicle

Visitors and their personal belongings may be subject to random searches at the sole discretion of the Space Foundation

Dismissal from the Space Foundation property may also be based upon possession of a prohibited item, including:

Any item deemed inappropriate by Space Foundation team members

Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances or illegal drugs

Clothing with offensive images or language

Roller/in-line skates or shoes with wheels

Pets and animals other than certified and trained service and law enforcement animals

Firearms, weapons and explosives, either openly carried or concealed, are not permitted on the private grounds of the Space Foundation; this applies to visitors with firearm permits, but does not apply to active duty law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms

All visitors who suffer bodily injury on Space Foundation property or who have knowledge of damage to Space Foundation property must immediately report the incident to Space Foundation team members

Visitors are asked to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior to a Space Foundation team member

Non-flash personal photography is permitted in non-restricted areas; reporters, professional photographers, videographers or cinematographers must contact the Space Foundation communications department for approval to photograph, tape, film or conduct interviews in the Discovery Center

Cars must be parked appropriately and locked with neither children nor animals remaining in them

Bicycles, scooters, upright scooters, tricycles or skateboards must be parked in the designated areas outside

The Space Foundation reserves the right, at any time and for any reason, to implement additional and/or more restrictive rules and regulations; we also reserve the right to deny admission to any member of the public who is considered to be a threat to the safety of Space Foundation property, customers or guests

Failure to adhere to Discovery Center rules and regulations could result in immediate ejection from the property without reimbursement of the cost of admission and/or local law enforcement involvement to file criminal charges.

Your admission ticket/reciept is a revocable license and, in accepting it, you agree that your presence at the Discovery Center, including the El Pomar Space Gallery and the Northrop Grumman Science Center, is at the express invitation of the Space Foundation. You also agree to abide by the rules and regulations listed on this page.